Scripture

“He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” –Luke 24:45-47

Observation

Many people don’t understand the Scriptures–only those who have been enlightened by God to comprehend His message.

This verse seems to be an overview of the entire Bible–the ultimate purpose of the Bible’s message: that beginning from Jerusalem, we are to proclaim repentance for forgiveness of sins available to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Application

This must be our life purpose. All who name Jesus as Lord should contribute to the mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ to all the nations.

Call people everywhere to repentance and faith. Educate them on what this means–what to do, how to do it and why.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Lord. I believe He is the hope of the world–the ultimate hope and only true hope–for He fulfills Your ultimate purpose to reconcile the nations to Yourself.

Give me strength, boldness and clarity as I lift up my voice and call people to repentance and faith. Give me fruit in my evangelism so that You will be glorified.

Father, I pray for the unreached peoples of the world. Send forth workers into that harvest. Sustain the workers already there. Show me what role I can play in reaching the nations for You!

Scripture

“They said to one another, ” Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” –Luke 24:32

Observation

Their hearts were set on fire by God’s Word.

This was not a formal teaching but simply talking while walking down the road.

Application

Never, ever share God’s Word in a boring manner. This is God’s LIVING Word; it is meant to set us on fire. Aim for the heart.

Fire is caught, not taught. To set others’ hearts on fire, I must first be on fire for God.

Talk of God’s word “on the road” –not only during formal meetings.

Prayer

Father, nothing in this world is more precious than Your Word. Too often do I allow myself to be set on fire and speak with great enthusiasm about things far less important.

Set me on fire with Your Word, I pray, and anoint me in such a way as to cause men’s hearts to burn within them as they hear me teach it, preach it and speak of it. This I pray–not for my glory– but for Yours.

Scripture

“Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about 100 years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” –Romans 4: 19-21

Observation

Abraham was a realist. He didn’t minimize his dire, impossible situation. He also didn’t minimize the power of almighty God! He thought about/pondered/contemplated his circumstance and God’s promise and power.

Abraham built his life and hopes upon the promises of God. Thus, he grew strong in faith, gave glory to God and brought glory to God.

Application

Do I have promises from God that are guiding my hopes, goals and life? I must have promises if I want to be strong in faith.

Prayer

Father, thank You for how You showed Your mighty power through Abraham–a man as good as dead who simply believed in You!
Might I, too, be a mighty man of faith, a man of God through whom You display YOUR power. I don’t trust in myself, and I refuse to let dire circumstances deter me from living in accordance with Your promises.